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What Does It Mean to Be Equal Partners in Marriage?

In China, the husband and wife in marriage are of completely equal status.

In accordance with the Civil Code of China:

  1. both husband wife shall be of equal status in marriage and family;
  2. both husband and wife shall have the right to use their own surname and given name;
  3. both husband and wife shall have the freedom to work, study and participate in social activities;
  4. both husband and wife shall have equal rights to raise their children;
  5. the vast majority of the properties acquired during the marriage shall be owned by both the spouses;
  6. both husband and wife shall have the duty to maintain each other; and
  7. both husband and wife shall have the right to inherit each other’s property.

 

References:

Civil Code of China: Part V Marriage and Family (2020): Article 1055, 1056, 1057, 1058, 1059, 1061, 1062

 

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Contributors: CJO Staff Contributors Team

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